Rachael Twumasi-Corson’s journey from an aspiring lawyer to a pioneering entrepreneur in the beauty industry is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in North-West London, with family roots in Ghana and the Netherlands, Rachael’s diverse cultural background has significantly influenced her work and vision. Initially, she studied sciences at A-Level before making a last-minute switch to pursue a Law degree at the University of Birmingham. This decision marked the beginning of a multifaceted academic and professional journey that would eventually lead to the founding of Afrocenchix.
After completing her law degree, Rachael’s curiosity and dedication to learning propelled her into further studies. She attended the Institute of Trichologists, where she delved into the science of the scalp and hair. Her academic journey continued with an MSc in Medical Anthropology at UCL, with her dissertation completed at the University of Cambridge Medical School. These studies enriched her understanding of healthcare, human culture, and the intricate dynamics of hair care.
Afrocenchix was born out of personal necessity and a desire for safe, effective, and ethical hair care products. Suffering from severe eczema and various allergies, Rachael struggled to find suitable hair and skin products. This led her to experiment with natural formulations, eventually establishing Afrocenchix in 2010 with just £100. Initially, she sold her products through word of mouth to family and friends while continuously researching the science and business of cosmetics.
Rachael’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination paid off when she entered and won the UCL Bright Ideas competition in 2015. This victory marked a significant milestone for Afrocenchix, which blossomed into a fully-fledged business with the support of UCL’s entrepreneurship hub, BaseKX. Afrocenchix gained significant recognition, being backed by Google in a $1.2 million seed round and named one of the “hottest Black-led startups in Europe.”
After a successful tenure at Afrocenchix, Rachael transitioned to a new role as the Managing Director of LIHA Beauty. This move was driven by the opportunity to collaborate with LIHA’s founders, Abi Oyepitan and Liha Okunniwa, and the chance to further amplify African beauty on the global stage. At LIHA Beauty, Rachael continues to champion sustainability, blending African beauty secrets with British elegance, and has already begun making significant strides, including plans for a major summer campaign and the brand’s first Out-of-Home (OOH) advertisement.
Rachael Twumasi-Corson is also a celebrated storyteller, with her writings published in Huff Post, Business Insider, Healthline, The Voice, and Black Ballad. She authors a Substack newsletter for over 30,000 readers and has contributed to several notable publications, including Side Hustle in Progress (HarperCollins), Slay in Your Lane (HarperCollins), Superheroes (Merky Books, Penguin), A Quick Ting On: The Black Girl Afro (Jacaranda Books, Hachette), Grown (Bloomsbury Publishing), and How to Make Money (HarperCollins).
Residing in London with her husband, a teacher, and their four young children, Rachael leads a vibrant and active lifestyle. When she’s not immersed in running businesses, consulting, volunteering, or serving on boards, she enjoys practicing karate, baking delicious treats, playing guitar, and indulging her passion for writing speculative fiction. Her works often explore culture, identity, and belonging, influenced by her Ghanaian and Dutch heritage and her upbringing in London.
